Cataract Surgery
A cataract is a cloudiness that develops in the lens inside of the eye, which eventually affects your vision. In order to get rid of the cloudy lens and regain your vision, you will require cataract surgery.
Cataract surgery is a very common, relatively fast, and safe outpatient procedure that can help you see from Blur to Clear. The procedure takes between 15 minutes to an hour to perform. Typically, patients are awake during the surgery to eliminate the risk of general anesthesia (where you are put to sleep) and enable your surgeon to communicate with you during the procedure.
On your cataract surgery day, you should allocate 3 to 5 hours and make sure you have transportation arrangements after the procedure as driving is not recommended afterwards.
10 Things To Know On Your Surgery Day
On your surgery day. You need to …
- Check-In
You will have to check in at the registration counter for the staff to proceed with the necessary paperwork and procedure for your surgery.
- Pre-Operative Check
The optometrist will prepare a final eye examination for you to make sure every test result is consistent and as reliable as it can be. Baseline vital signs are recorded (blood pressure and glucose level) as well as your general health status to make sure everything is good to go before the surgery. You are required to sign a consent form prior to the surgery.
- Eye Drop Instillation
Eye drops will be instilled to numb and dilate your eyes. The staff will then lead you to the waiting area to rest while waiting for your turn.
- Footwear Removal
You will be guided to the Operation Theater (OT) after your name is called. You are asked to remove footwear before entering the OT changing room.
- Cleansing
Upon entering OT changing room area, you will be given a locker to keep your belongings, then you will be guided to wash your face and remove any accessories including dentures.
- Change Into OT Attire
Nurses will assist you in changing into OT attire before entering OT.
- Eye Drop Installation & Anti-Anxiety Medication
While you are seated in the OT, we will then verify your name and continue to instill eye drops to keep your eyes dilated and numb and you may be given a sedative (oral pills) to help you relax.*
*Do address your concerns and talk to your doctor or nurses if you’re feeling particularly anxious about the procedure so that doctor can prescribe anti-anxiety medication for you.
- Pre-Operative Preparation Of Ocular Surface With An Antiseptic Solution
We will disinfect the skin surface of your eyes as well as the surrounding of your eye with antiseptic solution to prevent post-operative eye infection. The doctor will perform a final check on your eye with a slit lamp and you are ready to go in for your surgery!
- Rest
After the surgery is done, you will be required to rest at the recovery area for a period of time before the doctor gives you the green light to be discharged.
- Medication Explanation And Post-Operative Eye Care
The final step involves a nurse or other professional sitting with you and explaining the usage of medications at home, the do’s and don’ts after the cataract surgery as well as arranging your next-day appointment for your post-operative check-up.
